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Practice and Apply
summary
In these essay excerpts, Thoreau explains that
he went to Walden Pond to experience the
essentials of life. He describes feeling in tune
with nature and being transformed by following his personal vision. Anecdotes such as
the tale of a bug that hatches after a 60-year
dormancy convey Thoreau’s hope for human
revival and transcendence.
WALDEN
Henry David Thoreau
background Like Ralph Waldo Emerson and other transcendentalists,
Thoreau felt a need to affirm his unity with nature. On July 4, 1845, he began an
experiment in what he thought of as “essential living”—living simply, studying
the natural world, and seeking truth within himself. On land owned by
Emerson near Concord, Massachusetts, Thoreau built a small cabin by Walden
Pond and lived there for more than two years, writing and studying nature.
Walden is the record of his experiences.
from
L I T E R A R Y A N A LY S I S
a
essay
Possible answer: Thoreau’s tone is admiring
(lines 6–9). The reader gets the sense that
the essay will show the writer as someone
who enjoys a simpler life and wants to share
the benefits of simple, purposeful living.
If students need help . . . Point out words
and phrases with positive connotations,
such as abode, freshly planed, clean and
airy, and saturated with dew, to help students identify the tone as admiring.
Extend the Discussion On what day does
Thoreau move into the house, full-time?
What does that fact suggest about his
views or personality, even though he calls
the date an accident (line 2)?
10
Where I Lived, and What I Lived For
When first I took up my abode in the woods, that is, began to spend my
nights as well as days there, which, by accident, was on Independence day,
or the fourth of July, 1845, my house was not finished for winter, but was
merely a defense against the rain, without plastering or chimney, the walls
being of rough weather-stained boards, with wide chinks, which made it
cool at night. The upright white hewn studs and freshly planed door and
window casings gave it a clean and airy look, especially in the morning,
when its timbers were saturated with dew, so that I fancied that by noon
some sweet gum would exude from them. . . . a
I was seated by the shore of a small pond, about a mile and a half south
of the village of Concord and somewhat higher than it, in the midst of
an extensive wood between that town and Lincoln, and about two miles
south of that our only field known to fame, Concord Battle Ground; but
I was so low in the woods that the opposite shore, half a mile off, like the
rest, covered with wood, was my most distant horizon. For the first week,
whenever I looked out on the pond it impressed me like a tarn high up
372
Targeted Passage
a ESSAY
Think about Thoreau’s tone as he
describes his crude, unfinished
house. What sense of the
writer’s views or personality
do you get from these opening
lines?
16 tarn: a small mountain lake or
pool.
differentiated instruction
FL_L11PE-u02s32-Walden.indd 372
for all students
Enhancing Learning Styles Provide these
projects for various learning preferences:
• Verbal/Linguistic Write a poem that is
inspired by Thoreau’s ideas.
For further details on these projects, see
RESOURCE MANAGER
Ideas for Extension pp. 144–145
unit 2: american romanticism
1
unit 2: american romanticism
• Analytical Prepare and conduct a mock
trial of Thoreau for his refusal to pay taxes.
372
ANALYZE VISUALS
Consider the tranquil scene
depicted in the photograph on
page 373. What aspect of the
photograph is most responsible
for conveying this sense of
tranquility, and why?
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for less–proficient readers
In combination with the Audio Anthology CD,
use one or more Targeted Passages (pp. 372,
376, 379, 382, 387, 388) to ensure that students
focus on key concepts in these selections.
Targeted passages are also good for English
learners.
1 Targeted Passage [Lines 1–15]
This passage introduces the setting outisde
Concord, Massachusetts where Thoreau’s
personal exploration will take place.
analyze visuals
Possible answer: The sense of tranquility is
conveyed mainly by the stillness of the pond.
The gentle light on the pond and the leafy
trees also add to the sense of peace. All of these
features suggest a welcoming place where a
visitor might rest and contemplate the scene.
background
The Walden Pond Cabin Thoreau’s house
was only 10 feet wide and 15 feet long—just
large enough for a bed, a table, a desk, and
three chairs. To save money on construction,
Thoreau bought used windows, boards, and
bricks from people whose houses were being
torn down. His careful journal shows that
the entire cabin cost him $28.12, an extremely
low cost even by 1845 standards. The minimal
price of construction, the small size of the
cabin, and its setting in the woods allowed
Thoreau to live up to his ideals of simplicity
and appreciation of nature.
MFL_L11PE-u02s32-Walden.indd 373
• At what time of year does Thoreau begin
living in the house?
• How does Thoreau describe his house?
• What natural features surround Thoreau in
his new home?
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for english learners
Prereading For prereading instruction for
English learners, see
BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT
Scaffolding Reading Instruction pp. 43–46
for advanced learners/ap
AP exercises in the bottom channel provide
additional challenge for students. Use these
suggestions for small groups or individuals.
ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES
For more help with differentiation and tips for
classroom management, see
BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT
Differentiated Instruction pp. 31–38
walden
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